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“Good Lord, you’re as big as a house,” Joan said, laughing delightedly and patting A
A
“I hope not,” A
“He?”
A
Joan walked around the reclining chair and then stopped short when she saw that it was occupied by a huge stuffed bear. The toy animal was wearing a red corduroy vest and a red-and-blue plaid satin bow. “What in heaven’s name is that?” Joan exclaimed.
“My friend Amy’s contribution. She’s coming for a visit soon and I’ve forbidden her to bring anything else. There’s hardly room for the baby—I’m going to have to move out.”
Joan held up several gaily wrapped gift packages and they both laughed.
“Have a seat. Would you like some iced tea? There’s nothing worse than August in the city,” A
“Iced tea would be lovely. It’s nice and cool in here, your air conditioner must be efficient.”
“It’s an antique but it works.” A
“How long are you going to be in New York?” A
“Just today. My niece’s wedding is this evening and I’m flying back first thing in the morning. Come on, open that one up. It’s from Daniela and Victor.”
A
“This is gorgeous,” A
“Daniela made it herself.”
“How thoughtful. I’ll send her a note.”
“And that one’s from me.”
A
“It’s for a boy or a girl, three to six months.”
A
“Thank you so much,” she said, blinking rapidly and looking away, fussing with the box to cover her emotion.
“Now, are we going to talk about him, or not?” Joan said, folding her hands.
“How is he?” A
“Miserable. He misses you terribly.”
“Has he said so?”
“You know him better than that. He says nothing, pretends that nothing is wrong. He just works twenty-four hours of every day. He and Joe are opening a new marina in Chester City. Have you heard from him at all?”
“He communicates through the lawyer.”
“But isn’t that what you wanted?”
“Yes. I said so, anyway. I didn’t realize I would be so lonely.” A
“I think you miss Heath.”
“Of course I do.”
“Then get back together with him.”
“The problems will still be there.”
“But, A
A
“I don’t think he’s reasoned all of that out,” Joan said. “He’s just in a lot of pain.”
“And pla
Joan shrugged.
“Is there another woman in his life?” A
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Well, he is separated from me.”
“Physically, maybe, but not in his mind.”
A
“Give him another chance?”
A
“Well?”
“I can’t raise a baby in constant turmoil, Joan.”
“Maybe after the child comes, he’ll be different.”
“Why?”
“Fatherhood can have a benign effect. I’ve seen it happen before, believe me.”
“I’d like to believe you.”
“Let’s shelve this depressing subject for the moment. You said on the phone last week that you sold a sequel to your book?”
“I sold the series. I’m going to do three books.”
“That’s exciting, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so. It’s a commitment on the part of the publisher, anyway.”
“They must think you’re very talented.”
“I hope so. I just want to do the kind of work I like.”
“You’ll be a busy mother.”
“Maybe that will help.”
“Help what?”
“To fill the void.”
“A
A
“All right, I understand. I’m poking my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“No, you’re not. My mind is made up, that’s all.”
“Fair enough. Now, I was promised lunch and I’m starving. Where’s the food?”
“Step this way,” A
* * * *
Heath hung up the phone and glanced at the date at the top of the notepad on his desk.
Ten days. His baby was due in ten days.
He picked up the phone again and dialed the Jensen’s home number. Joan answered on the fourth ring.
“Joan, it’s Heath.”
“Something told me I might be hearing from you today,” Joan said dryly.
“How is she?”
“A
“How does she look?”
“Pregnant. Very pregnant.”
“I mean, does she seem well?”
“Yes.”
“Happy?”
Joan hesitated.
“Is she happy?” Heath insisted.
“She’s happy about the baby, that much is true. I know she misses you.”
“Did she say that?”
“Heath, you are not going to conduct an interrogation over the phone. I’m sorry Joe told you I was going to New York, I knew this would happen when I got back.”
“You can’t expect me to be indifferent. A
“There was a time when you didn’t think so.”
“Joan, please. Without the acid commentary, are you sure she’s okay?”
“Yes, Heath, she’s fine.”
“Do you think she might let me come and see the baby when it’s born?”
The plaintive note in his voice almost broke Joan’s heart. “I’m sure she wouldn’t keep you out, Heath. You’re the father.”
“I don’t know. She’s pretty fed up with me.”
“You could take legal action to see the child.”
“I don’t want to start throwing writs at her, that’s not the way to win her back.”
“Is that what you want?”
“It’s what I’ve wanted since she moved to New York.”
“Then do what she asks.”
“Go into counseling?” he said derisively.
“Why not?”
“That’s for screwups like A
“People can be screwed up in different ways. A
“He’d better, if he wants to stay out of jail.”
“You should have an equally powerful incentive.”
“I’m not a gambler, for God’s sake. Is that where you think I belong, in group gripe sessions with druggies and drinkers and people who can’t stay away from the roulette wheel?”
“I think you have to do something,” Joan said.
“No, thanks.”
“Then you can stay where you are and watch A
“Stop lecturing me, Joan.” Then, “My son?”
“I’m sorry, I let that slip.”